KUCHING: The Segulai Sejalai musical presented in conjunction with the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations at Stadium Perpaduan, here, on Saturday (Sept 16) night drew rousing applause from the more than 5,000 people in the audience.

The 20-minute, three-segment performance highlighted the quest for independence in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak up to the present day.

The characters of freedom fighters such as Rosli Dhobi and Mat Salleh were featured in the performance as an appreciation of their sacrifices in defending the country from colonial oppression.

The cries of "Merdeka" and "Segulai Sejalai (together in unity)" throughout the performance galvanised the atmosphere of the celebrations that were held to commemorate the six decades of Malaysia’s formation.

Acting Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Puan Sri Fatimah Mohd Iskandar as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were present to witness the performance.

The two Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as well as Cabinet ministers were also present at the stadium.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and spouse Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and spouse Datin Seri Juliah Salang were also in attendance.

The opening ceremony began with Anwar, Abang Johari and Hajiji signing the Malaysia Day Special Book after a special video presentation showcasing the historical moments of the formation in 1963.

This was followed by the parade of the Kembara Merdeka convoy and the raising of Jalur Gemilang to the tune of the national anthem, Negaraku.

The ceremony then proceeded with the performance of the Jalur Gemilang song before it ended with the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge. - Bernama